All of them look reasonable within your budget.. None of them are what I'd call the lightest for their rating, but they are all pretty good.
Aside from increasing the budget and going with a high end bag, I think any of them would serve you well, but in all honesty If there are local stores around you with some of them, I'd really make the decision on *fit*. Go in to the store and try them on, see what's the most comfortable - sleeping bags do fit differently, just like clothing.
I'd go with the Marmot bag - based solely on the fact that I owned and liked a couple of their Elements bags (Hydrogen and Helium), and on the fact that I've never owned a Sierra Designs or Big Agnes bag. Not exactly a scientific survey.
Tents: I've never used ALPS gear, so I can't comment on your tents.
Registered: 09/18/13
Posts: 42
Loc: Central Michigan
I really like my Kelty Cosmic Down in the over-sized model. Its quite light and compresses down well. Its under 2# packed. I believe they are in the $100-$150 range depending on temp rating.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
For more consumer info: Deciphering EN13537 Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings The EN13537 ratings aren't perfect but at least are based on testing results rather than fiction made up by the manufacturer's marketing department.
If the bag is not EN13537 rated and is not made by one of the top makers (such as Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends) which, with your budget, it won't be, then add another 10 degrees F to the temperature rating. Maybe even another 9-10 degrees F if you're a cold sleeper.
Edited by OregonMouse (03/27/1403:44 PM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Registered: 10/30/03
Posts: 4963
Loc: Marina del Rey,CA
I'm with OM, bag ratings that are not EIN ratings, unless they are from a top brand are suspect. I've seen some pretty ridiculous claims that seem way out of line based on the minimal fill listed for the bag. The basic rule with bags is "warm, light, cheap; pick two." My solution to this conundrum is to buy a name brand used bag. Picking up a nearly new brand name bag for around half price is possible if you look long enough. That is how I got my Marmot bag. Came with the original stuff and storage sacks and the owner even had the hang tag for it. I got the parka in my avatar the same way. It looked brand new. The owner had bought it for a trip he never took.
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Don't get me started, you know how I get.
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